Making Waves: More Women at the Helm
CBF’s female captains bring a powerful blend of emotional intelligence, clear communication, and calm under pressure. They’re not just succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated field—they’re reshaping it.
This story was originally published in the Summer 2026 issue of Save the Bay magazine.
Tiffany Granberg
Kristin Rutkowski PhotographyArthur Sherwood Environmental Education Program Captain and Manager
My introduction to life on the water started with my uncle, a pilot boat captain in New York—I loved visiting the city and watching him at work.
That early inspiration stayed with me, and much of what I know today has been shaped through hands-on experience and the guidance of incredible CBF captain role models.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey is sharing that path with students, opening their eyes to careers they may have never considered. Now, I’m not only continuing to grow into my own role as a captain but also helping train the next generation to step aboard and begin their own journeys.
Jackie Shannon
Rob HotakainenVirginia Oyster Restoration Manager
I lead the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s large-scale oyster restoration efforts in Virginia while helping oversee a fleet of three vessels and two barges that bring these projects to life.
In 2011, I earned my 50-ton Master Captain’s License—and this year marks my third renewal, keeping me in good standing on the water.
While I’m primarily based out of CBF’s Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, our innovative oyster barges allow our team to stay nimble, setting up operations wherever the work takes us across the region.
Jessica Lutzow
Jackie Shannon/CBF StaffVirginia Oyster Restoration Specialist
I’m proud to be part of such an incredible group of CBF captains, and even more grateful to be mentored by Jackie Shannon—a highly skilled and inspiring leader on the water. Her guidance means a great deal, especially considering I was the only woman in a class of 16 when I earned my captain’s license. Today, it’s deeply rewarding to carry that experience forward, playing a hands-on role in restoring the Bay and its tributaries throughout Virginia—work that continues to bring me genuine joy every day.
Julie Luecke
Jackie Shannon/CBF StaffMaryland Coastal Restoration Scientist
I joined CBF as a communications intern in 2018, but it didn’t take long for oyster restoration to capture my heart—thanks in large part to the mentorship of longtime captain Jackie Shannon. With a background in swimming and rowing, I already felt at home on the water, attuned to shifting winds, tides, and the unpredictability of coastal weather. With CBF’s support, I grew into my confidence as a seawoman. What excites me most is where science meets community—bringing people together around meaningful, hands-on work. Stepping into the role of captain felt like a natural and rewarding evolution of that passion.
Shayla Keller
CBF StaffKaren Noonan Memorial Environmental Education Program Manager and Educator
I had the good fortune of learning the art of piloting a jet boat from Captain Doug at CBF’s Karen Noonan Memorial Environmental Education Center—an experience that gave me the confidence to build on my years as a mate across a wide range of vessels. I never imagined I’d one day be at the helm of what feels like a 40-foot jet ski…but here I am! Maryland’s Eastern Shore holds a special place in my heart, and there’s no better way to experience it than exploring the waterways of southern Dorchester County alongside CBF’s education participants.
Emily Burton
CBF StaffPotomac River Environmental Education Program Manager and Educator
I work on the Potomac River aboard the Bea Hayman Clark, but my journey on the water started long before that. I’ve spent time maintaining houseboats on Lake Powell in Arizona, guiding full-day float trips down the Colorado River, and teaching sailing at the Annapolis Sailing School. My grandparents introduced me to boating and sailing in Annapolis where I was on the water before I could even walk. They’ve remained my greatest mentors, instilling in me not only a strong work ethic, but also a lasting commitment to caring for and protecting the Bay. I’m grateful to be in a career on the water.
Morgan Jones
CBF StaffIsland Field Senior Manager
I grew up along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, Maryland—a place that sparked my lifelong connection to the water. That passion led me to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, where I began as an Island Educator on Fox Island and Port Isobel in Virginia, helping others experience the Bay firsthand. Today, I serve as the Island Field Senior Manager, overseeing four multi-day Student Field Programs and guiding the next generation of environmental stewards. A few years ago, I earned my captain’s license, and you’ll now often find me navigating the waters of Tangier Sound.
Kellie Fiala
CBF StaffMaryland Oyster Restoration Coordinator
My work is rooted in restoring native oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay—vital to improving water quality and rebuilding marine habitats. From hands-on outreach and oyster gardening programs to large-scale restoration efforts, I’m driven by the impact this work has on the health of our waterways. After a decade of learning from some truly incredible captains at CBF, stepping into the role myself felt like a natural next chapter. Being a captain allows me to stay deeply connected to the physical, on-the-water work I care about most—continuing the mission to protect and restore the Bay for future generations.
Julia Carson
Josh Gilliand/CBF StaffJames River Environmental Education Program Manager and Educator
I serve as Program Manager and Educator for the James River Environmental Education Program, based on the James River just downriver from Richmond Virginia. My connection to the water began early, spending summers in Virginia’s Northern Neck, where I explored the Potomac River by boat and discovered its endless source of adventure. After college, I found my path in environmental education—and it was there that I met Captain Elysa Mills. Her confidence and leadership left a lasting impression, inspiring me to take the leap and pursue my captain’s license.
Rachel Muth
Erika SmithSmith Island Environmental Education Program Manager and Educator
Although I’d spent time on boats since I was young, it was the lifelong watermen of Smith Island who truly shaped me into a captain.
Their mentorship gave me the confidence to take the helm of smaller boats on my own—and eventually to master the larger work boats that once felt intimidating. I still remember the first time I docked a skiff solo, greeted by cheers and applause. Today, as I run the 40-foot deadrise Susquehanna, that same encouragement from the Smith Island community continues to fuel me. The journey has been as rewarding as it has been transformative—a hands-on education I wouldn’t trade for anything.
